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Playing with the other side.

Okay DS has started really playing with the nipple he isn't using while nursing. He only nurses before bed and in the early AM. Is this normal? I redirect his hand and he forces his way back up there.

~Meg~Wife to Ray (09/07/07)and Mama to:Xander (01/19/07) nursed for 30 monthsLiam (12/12/09) still nursing through the night and in the mornings!Sebastian (7/29/12) my newest little nursling who graciously shares his milk with big brother!

Re: Playing with the other side.

Very normal and very annoying! This is one of the main reasons I was considering weaning a few weeks ago, because I couldn't stand it and it would cause a total screaming meltdown as well as trigger additional hurting (biting, hair pulling, etc) when I tried to block or redirect her hand. We decided on no more nursing in bed, and if the twiddling gets beyond a gentle pat then the milk is put away for a few minutes. It didn't bother me too much at first but as DD gets older it gets more intense and more annoying. I would nip it in the bud now before it gets to be an ingrained habit.

Re: Playing with the other side.

I only take out one "side" at a time.

DS does play with my hair and fingers (we count my fingers as I open and close my hand) and face (teeth, nose, ears).

If he's playing with the breast / nipple that's out I say "oh - you're playing - that must mean you're all done with mommy milk" and I make a move to put my breast away. DS either stops playing and goes back to nursing or agrees that he's done.

If twiddling the other nipple is okay with you then let your LO twiddle away. If it bugs you then for a toddler I think it's totally okay to work on nursing manners and set some limits and define what is acceptable behavior.

Re: Playing with the other side.

Originally Posted by @llli*lsksam

I only take out one "side" at a time.

I only take out one side at a time, his little hand seems to find a way under my shirt and into my bra.

And thanks for the tips ladies, I'll dig out the nursing necklace again. I've thought about not nursing in bed but anymore the only way thats comfortable for both of us is side laying so I'm not sure that'd work too well.

~Meg~Wife to Ray (09/07/07)and Mama to:Xander (01/19/07) nursed for 30 monthsLiam (12/12/09) still nursing through the night and in the mornings!Sebastian (7/29/12) my newest little nursling who graciously shares his milk with big brother!

Re: Playing with the other side.

This is my DS new found game. He loves it! It does get annoying. The other "boobie" game he's been playing is blowing fart noises while nursing. He cracks him self up, and then I can't help but laughing. Not good to encourage bad behavior, but it is so stinkin' funny.

Re: Playing with the other side.

My son did this as well. I tried to be firm with him and set-up nursing manners. It actually worked!! I convinced him his nails had to be short and now he asks to have his nails cut. Pretty funny for a 3 1/2 year old. We settled on the bellybutton as an alternative. It works for us.

The nursing necklaces never worked for me but many have luck with them. It is helpful to keep in mind that as the little ones get older the nursing relationship changes when they are able to communicate. Extended nursing truly has some funny moments!!

Re: Playing with the other side.

Logan is a big time twiddler! He has to have both breasts out when he nurses, and loves to do the nip twist. I just keep his fingernails short and tell him 'ouch that hurts mommy' if he does it too hard. Then he stops!